Picked up a small Polypterus delhezi a couple of months ago and posted a thread about how often and how much to feed him.
He is a great addition to the tank and I would recommend one of these to anyone.
I recieved a prompt reply from Fruitbat which helped out substantially but am still in the dark as to what quantity of food (chunks of beef heart) is the most effective in maintaining a healthy bichir. More often than not I hand feed him 2-3 small chunks 1-2 times a day. Is this an optimal amount? He is about 5" long now and loves to sit around and "digest."
This brings me to the subject of the thread:
A couple of weeks after acquiring "Biker" we got a few very small feeder fish for him. Nothing. Nada. I realize that Polypterus delhezi are nocturnal ambush hunters, however, I have witnessed these little buggers actually brush "Biker's" nose as they pass! So, I tried to starve him for a couple of days. (I realize, not entirely humane but no harm, no foul.) Still zip. I now have 3 resident guppies that feel quite comfortable in my 100g and, to be honest, I don't mind 'em. A female just had little'uns and the other fish acted like it was Christmas.
Have I spoiled 'Biker' on hand-fed beefheart to the point where he knows that he doesn't have to hunt anymore? What will he go after?
I appreciate any reply.
He is a great addition to the tank and I would recommend one of these to anyone.
I recieved a prompt reply from Fruitbat which helped out substantially but am still in the dark as to what quantity of food (chunks of beef heart) is the most effective in maintaining a healthy bichir. More often than not I hand feed him 2-3 small chunks 1-2 times a day. Is this an optimal amount? He is about 5" long now and loves to sit around and "digest."
This brings me to the subject of the thread:
A couple of weeks after acquiring "Biker" we got a few very small feeder fish for him. Nothing. Nada. I realize that Polypterus delhezi are nocturnal ambush hunters, however, I have witnessed these little buggers actually brush "Biker's" nose as they pass! So, I tried to starve him for a couple of days. (I realize, not entirely humane but no harm, no foul.) Still zip. I now have 3 resident guppies that feel quite comfortable in my 100g and, to be honest, I don't mind 'em. A female just had little'uns and the other fish acted like it was Christmas.
Have I spoiled 'Biker' on hand-fed beefheart to the point where he knows that he doesn't have to hunt anymore? What will he go after?
I appreciate any reply.
